| College of Arts and Sciences |
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Biology
Paul Kusnierz
Paul came to NMU from the University of Maine in 2006 to work with coaster brook trout in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. His thesis focused on developing age structure data for the Pictured Rocks brook trout populations. His work has allowed the program to gain an understanding of the age-dependent growth patterns of resident and coaster brook trout, which is integral to the developing management program for coasters. He presented his research findings at several national scientific meetings and it has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Great Lakes Research. In addition, Paul completed an academically rigorous program of course work with flying colors while serving as an excellent teaching assistant. After graduating in August 2008, Paul moved to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, where he works as a multibasin monitoring coordinator. |
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English/MA
Adam Cocco
Adam has a consummate dedication to scholarship and teaching. He is completing his MA in English literature and pedagogy; he also holds a BA in secondary education english with a minor in history. His literary interests include fiction and nonfiction of the 1920s to 1940s, focusing on the alienation and exploitation of the working class in modern/postmodern society. His pedagogical interests center on the promotion of literacy for struggling readers and writers. Adam and his wife, Walinda, have two sons, Parker and Jackson. |
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English/MFA
Brian McMillan
Brian came to NMU three years ago from a reporter’s job at a small local newspaper in Bradenton, Fla. Already Brian had a thesis in mind—a work of reportage on a homeless man in his fifties. His brief residence with us has been immensely productive. Besides the nonfiction, Brian has written fiction and poetry, some of it good enough to be published. He’s begun a novel. Most important, though, is that thesis he had in mind. It is finished now, and along the way, his work of reportage became, also, a memoir and a meditation on homelessness. Thank you, Brian, for all of your good work, and especially for your superb thesis, which your committee believes will someday be a published book, On Cortez Road: My Search for One Homeless Man. |
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Psychology
Robin Mackie
Robin is truly outstanding. She will graduate from her training, development and performance improvement master’s program with a 4.00 GPA in May 2009 with a plethora of both research and practical experience. Robin received her bachelor’s degree from NMU in 2005. She returned as a graduate and has earned two training certificates and her master’s degree. She also earned, in 2007, certification from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office as a community mediator. She is currently employed in the Dean of Student’s Office. She has co-authored and presented multiple workshops on training and development and has co-authored a paper, “Dr. John Perkins (1698-1781),” for the Dictionary of Early American Philosophers, with publication expected in April 2009. |
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Mathematics and Computer Science
Angel Inglese
Angel is a mathematics teacher and the technology coordinator at North Dickinson High School in Felch, Mich. In 2008, she received recognition as an “Educator of Distinction” from the National Society of High School Scholars, and was nominated for the 2008 Michigan Teacher of the Year award. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and a teacher-leader in the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District. She conducts in-service training on technology uses for classroom teachers, most recently on the use of “clickers” in the classroom, which was also the subject of her master’s project. Angel graduated from Kingsford High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in 1998 and master’s in mathematics education in December 2008 from NMU. She is married and the mother of three young children. |
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Political Science
Katy Morrison
Katy, originally from Peotone, Ill., received her bachelor’s degree in entertainment and sports promotion with a business administration minor from NMU in 2006. While pursuing her master’s in public administration, she was a graduate assistant in the Center for Student Enrichment, working with NMU’s academic service learning program. Katy also gained practical experience by taking part in a student service internship with the Admissions, Career Services, Dean of Students, and Financial Aid offices at NMU. She hopes to continue her career in higher education student services. Katy is a member of One Book, One Community, an organization that selects a yearly community read. During her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dogs and playing softball. Katy is very grateful for her time at NMU and the unique opportunities it has offered her.
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| College of Arts and Sciences |
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Art and Design
Clare Mullen
Clare came to Northern as a transfer student from Judson University, where she was a major in architecture. With this background, she developed the skill of hand-rendering her designs using traditional ideas of perspective. As a painting major at Northern, Clare continued her concerns for precision and a definition of the forms she portrays in a unique blend of drawing and painting materials. She currently pursues a pure painting approach that depicts the human form with subtle social concerns. With a minor in psychology, it was only logical that she would develop an academic and artistic approach to the creative process, which will serve her well in future studies at the graduate level in art therapy.
It has been a rewarding experience as her professor to work with someone as dedicated and talented as Clare. The culmination of her efforts can be seen in the AD 403 Senior Exhibit held in the DeVos Museum at the end of the semester. |
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Biology
Julian Dupuis
The sages of old once foretold a young scholar would join our ranks
A mandolin-playing, trout-slaying, reflecting soul to Gichigumee’s banks
An honor student, diligent, prudent, for all a joy to be ‘round
Morphing facial hair (few can compare), always laughing, never a frown
Zambia to Superior, quality never inferior in writing, genetics or bugs
Both far and near, he speaks brilliantly clear, embraces all intellectual tugs
A future insured of success procured through rigor, talent and glee
One of the best we’ve had, Biology’s outstanding grad, Julian Rowe Dupuis |
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Chemistry
Tori LaFleur
Tori came to NMU as a transfer student from Western Michigan University, but originally hails from Escanaba, Mich. We chose Tori because she has a stellar 4.0 GPA and has demonstrated a true interest in becoming a scientist. She independently sought out involvement in undergraduate research and currently works with Dr. Suzanne Williams on gene expression in algae and with Dr. Katherine Teeter on studies in population and evolutionary genetics. Tori also won the departmental award in analytical chemistry last year by earning top grades in two courses. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue studies in genetics. |
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Communication and Performance Studies
Travis Moscinski
Over the past four years, Travis has led the way for the NMU theatre program. He has been a tireless worker, putting in literally thousands of hours devoted to theatrical production at the Forest Roberts Theatre. Since coming to NMU, Travis has performed lead roles in 11 mainstage productions and 10 roles in Black Box studio productions. He has also served as a construction technician for nearly every show produced during that time. On top of all this, Travis has maintained a 3.78 GPA and remained an excellent example for aspiring theatre students. |
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English
Cole Schmidt
Cole has been a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society since 2007 and vice president of the organization since 2008. He also currently serves as vice president of the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including: Michigan Merit Award (2005), Northern Michigan University Merit Award (2005), Michigan Competitive Scholarship (2006), Starr Foundation Scholarship (2006). More recently, he was selected to present some of his innovative scholarship at the Sigma Tau Delta national conference (2009), where he presented a paper entitled, “The Sky Is Falling: Cultural Reflections of 9/11 through Comics.” |
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Economics
Rick Simmon
Rick to date has maintained a cumulative 3.95 GPA. He earned a four-year Army ROTC scholarship and has completed the leadership development assessment course, U.S. Army Airborne School, United States Military Academy’s cadet field training, and is a Distinguished Military Graduate. After graduating in May, he will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army as an armor/military intelligence officer. After the Army, Rick hopes to pursue graduate school in economics and eventually work for a libertarian policy institute. His areas of interest include Austrian economics, comparative economic systems, Constitutional economics, and public policy. |
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Geography
Colleen Mikelson
The abundant snow, great lakes and peaceful woods drew Colleen to Northern. Science has been a lifelong passion for her and you could not find a person more excited about her major; Environmental Science was the right choice from the start. When not engrossed in her studies, Colleen is a student leader on campus. She is the current vice president of the Environmental Science Organization, a member of the GTU geography honors society, former captain of the NMU crew team and the founder and president of the Northern Nordic Club ski team. She will graduate in May with a 3.87 GPA and will start graduate school this fall at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, pursuing a degree in environmental toxicology. |
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History
Johanna Boyle
Johanna, a Marquette resident, is a history and French major who graduated in August 2008. Her two extra-curricular activities included marching band and working for several years helping students in the Writing Center. Her love of European history sent her to France, where she studied at the University of Rennes in Brittany for nine months. She considers this experience a high point of her years at Northern and was able to polish her French language skills along with learning about the history and economy of this French province. Most recently, she updated the History Department Web page much to everyone’s delight and satisfaction. Presently she is a journalist for the Mining Journal. |
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International Studies
Karl Mercer
Karl’s double majors in International Studies and French represent just the beginning of his passion for and commitment to things international. At NMU he has worked continuously in Model United Nations, has represented the Philippines, Sudan, Denmark, Costa Rica and Saint Lucia at their conferences, and has garnered awards for his participation. He co-founded Tongue Tide and championed the cause of expanding language study options at NMU. He has worked with Bridging Boundaries International to help relieve tensions in the former Yugoslavia. In 2007-2008 he studied Vietnamese culture and language in Viet Nam. He plans to pursue graduate work in southeast Asian studies and a career with the U.S. State Department. |
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Mathematics and Computer Science
Jason Gregersen
Jason’s dedication to academics is evident not only in his high GPA but also in his extracurricular activities. He has presented twice at the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics annual teachers conference and also several times at NMU regarding the use of technology in the classroom. In 2008, Jason was the recipient of NMU’s Teaching, Learning and Communication award and the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Miriam Schaefer Award for excellence in education. He has also demonstrated his dedication to the student community through his volunteer tutoring in the math lab and by tutoring individuals privately. Jason will graduate in May 2009, summa cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education mathematics. He will continue studying mathematics in graduate school and will pursue a doctorate in either pure or applied mathematics. |
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Modern Languages
Kasie Veen
Kasie majored in French (and art history), minored in Spanish, and studied Chinese as well while at NMU. She had three significant experiences abroad. The first was as a student in a faculty-led study in Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris. For the second, she spent an academic year in France teaching English in a public school, while also doing directed studies in French with an NMU professor. For the third, she studied Spanish in Madrid. She has been a pioneer in the French mentoring program and has been heavily involved in the French Club and in volunteer work. Her language skills in French and Spanish are outstanding. |
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Music
Randy Monroe
Randy graduated magna cum laude in December 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Pursuing music at the university level has been a rewarding experience that has included meeting life-changing teachers who encouraged him to grow and guided him to achieve. Before Northern, he attended Grand Valley State University and was a multiple Dean's List recipient. He also attended Grand Rapids Community College and received an Outstanding Leadership in Music award. |
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Philosophy
Derek O’Connell
Derek has become a student leader in the Philosophy Club as well as a tutor to other students. He has a gift for intellectual work, is diligent and thorough, analytically sharp, writes excellent penetrating papers and always gets his work in on time. He was also a winner in the Cohodas Essay contest. No wonder he is a 4.0 GPA student. Derek has just received a full ride to the University of Illinois-Carbondale Ph.D. program in philosophy. Full tuition and an assistantship should keep him out of debt while he studies to become a university professor. The NMUPhilosophy Department is confident that he will become an excellent teacher and publish his share of original work. |
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Political Science and Public Administration
Lauren Mattioli
Lauren is graduating summa cum laude, with a major in pre-law political science and philosophy and minor in general political science. In addition to working on campus, Lauren was president of Model United Nations for three years, served as chair of the Student Faculty Judiciary and All Student Judiciary, edited and contributed to the NMU Political Review, captained the NMU mock trial team, contributed to the College Democrats debate team, and was a member of the Student Finance Committee. This fall, Lauren was a teaching assistant for the freshman seminar, tutored political science and philosophy for Student Support Services and worked as an intern for Bloomberg News at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. |
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Psychology
Jillian Brown-Burley
Jillian will graduate in May with a psychology/graduate preparation major. She has achieved a 3.73 GPA while being active in research and in community work. She has worked in the research laboratories of Maya Sen and Bradley Olson. She has been a teaching apprentice for the junior seminar and introductory psychology. She has volunteer experience in both hospital and community mental health agencies and participated in mental health screening programs and peer education. Jillian is a member of the American Psychological Association, PsiChi (Psychology Honor Society), Mortar Board, the Student Psychological Association, and Alpha Lambda Delta (Freshman Honor Society) |
| College of Professional Studies |
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Clinical Sciences
Heather Varble
Heather graduated in summer 2008. She did two, six-month internships at Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette, Wis., and Marquette General Hospital. Heather won both the CLS Outstanding Student Practitioner Award as well as the CLS Outstanding Associate Degree Graduate Award in 2006. Heather’s file is filled with positive comments from hospital trainers and professors. Last summer Heather was asked to interview at clinical laboratories in Wisconsin, Washington and Colorado and was given job offers at each place. She currently works at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo. |
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Criminal Justice
Jenny Sides
Jenny will graduate summa cum laude in May. She was awarded the Outstanding Non-Traditional Student of the Year award in 2007, and has been the recipient of numerous scholarships. Jen is a dedicated student who brings enthusiasm and a love of learning to the classroom. In addition to her academic achievements, Jen is a wonderful human being and is very well liked by her fellow students and the faculty. These qualities are even more astonishing because she has overcome a difficult upbringing, pulled herself up by her own “bootstraps,” and has done all this while being a devoted wife and mother of three. We believe Jen Sides is an example of what is possible with hard work and dedication, and that she serves as an example to all. |
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Education
Andrew Doutree
Andrew is a December 2008 elementary education graduate. He has exhibited exemplary performance throughout every phase of the student teaching program. As noted by his cooperating teachers Carolyn Northey and Shirley Menhennick, he has made a great impact on children during his student teaching: “Andrew Doutree has been an amazing spirit in the classroom. His commitment to students and the teaching profession are inspiring. He not only had a great knowledge of the science subject matter, but he is able to teach and share this knowledge with care and concern. He consistently utilizes varied techniques to motivate students to learn.” |
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Engineering Technology
David Hedberg
The exceptional academic performance displayed by David has earned him several scholarships, including Marquette Range Engineers, Outstanding Achievement, Michigan Merit, Michigan Competitive, and more. David has been named to the Dean’s List seven times, with a 3.92 GPA. He began his career at NMU in the Freshman Fellows program and has remained active across campus. David has contributed to countless NMU organizations, including the Hybrid Car (5 semesters), Student Leader Fellowship, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Lake Effect Show Choir (6 semesters), and University Choir (1 semester). Additionally, local high school students benefit from David’s work as an Upward Bound math and science tutor. He also facilitates the district solo/ ensemble and is actively involved with his church. |
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Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Shinya Abe
Shinya has an overall GPA of 3.85. As one of his professors writes: “Shinya walked into my office a few years ago, fresh from Japan. He already had a definite focus to study the sport and exercise sciences. I suggested that he take English 111 his first semester, but Shinya replied, ‘No English. Math C9 no problem. Chemistry C9 no problem. Physics C9 no problem C9 but, no English.’ He wanted a semester to become more comfortable with English, which was new to him. He was correct. For Shinya, math, chemistry, physics were ‘no problem.’ In addition to the stringent required courses for sports science, he has also completed MET 211 – Mechanics-Statics, PH 393 Experimental Instrumentation and Analysis, and directed studies in research. Shinya presented one of his undergraduate research papers at the International Society for Biomechanics in Sports conference in Seoul, Korea, this past summer. He has also presented his joint research on rock climbing and is currently working on two additional research projects. Shinya plans to pursue a graduate degree in biomechanics upon graduation from NMU. |
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Nursing
Samantha Lagerman
Samantha has exemplified merit throughout her career at NMU. She began as a Freshman Fellow and has continued with mentored research each year—research that has culminated in poster presentations and acceptance at national, regional and local conferences. Samantha has further distinguished herself by receiving four clinical excellence awards in the baccalaureate nursing curriculum and will graduate summa cum laude in May with a GPA of 3.89. As a junior, Samantha was invited and inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing. She volunteers in the community with the Medical Care Access Coalition and Room at the Inn. Upon graduation, Samantha plans to begin her career working in a critical-care setting. |
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Sociology and Social Work
Francois Vachon
Francois was born and raised in Quebec City, Canada. He moved to the United States in 2005 and enrolled at NMU in 2006. This was his first experience in an English-speaking academic setting. He maintained an overall GPA of 3.91 while completing a double major. Francois has tutored three different courses, served as a counselor at Bay Cliff Health Camp, and as a research assistant on the “Homelessness in the Upper Peninsula” project, on which he will be giving a conference presentation. He intends to earn a Ph.D. and become a professor of sociology. |
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Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Gayla Rovelsky
Gayla has lived in the Upper Peninsula her entire life and is a graduate of Westwood High School in Ishpeming. She has earned an overall GPA of 3.92 and 4.0 in the major. Gayla’s high GPA reflects her ability to incorporate theory into application, which will be key in her graduate studies in speech-language pathology and in future clinical practice. She earned this excellent academic record while pursuing extracurricular activities during her undergraduate career. Currently, she is treasurer of the National Student Speech-Language-and-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), co-captain and competitive member of the NMU Figure Skating Team and coaches group and private lessons in figure skating. |
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Technology and Occupational Sciences
Elizabeth Miller
Elizabeth completed her degree in hospitality management in summer 2008. She earned a 3.6 GPA. During her tenure at NMU, she had a successful academic career beginning as a student in the business computer information systems program and moving into the position of culinary laboratory assistant in the hospitality management program. Her willingness to learn and desire to serve helped her to quickly become a “go-to” student. She spent hours working with both students and professors to complete food orders for multiple food units, and volunteered to help during many events. She was an active participant in many successful Culinary Students of NMU events, as well as other NMU, Marquette and state culinary events. A month before graduation, she was offered a full-time internship with Levy Restaurants, the food management company at Lambeau Field. During her internship she took over the position of the non-profit organization coordinator, managing over 1,000 volunteers working throughout Lambeau Field before and during events. |
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International Studies
Amy Hickey
Amy majored in international studies and minored in history. Clearly she excelled in her class work, but her excellence has extended beyond classroom walls and curriculum. For starters, she studied Russian in Moscow, and Russian is not a patsy of a language. Basic Hungarian and German round out her language resume. She has mentored in the Rotary Youth Exchange program, tutored English as a Second Language, and co-founded Tongue Tide, an NMU student language advocacy group. She has been involved in the Honors Program and Honors Student Organization, NMU student government, OUTlook, NMU's sexual and gender expression group, two progressive student publications, Telos and the NMU Political Review, and has even found time to disc jockey for Radio X. |
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Business
Matthew Franti
Matt graduated in December 2008 with a 4.0 while majoring in accounting with a minor in economics. Matt exemplified the ideal student by always being prepared for class and being ready to participate. Even-tempered and poised, he willingly volunteered to answer the more difficult questions while fitting in well with his fellow students. A native of Bruce Crossing, Mich., Matt was the recipient of five different scholarships: NMU Merit Excellence, Michigan Robert C. Byrd, NMU Keith Forsberg Accounting, Thrivent Financial, and U. P. Sports Hall of Fame. Matt worked as an intramural official for NMU and as a teller with Wells Fargo while attending NMU. Matt is currently a staff auditor with the Marquette CPA firm Makela, Toutant, Hill, and Nardi, P.C. |
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Technology and Occupational Sciences
Maria Krawczak
Maria chose construction management as her career path after working in building material sales during high school. She first attended Alpena Community College then continued on to NMU in 2006, where she earned her bachelor’s in construction management with a minor in business administration. During her time here, Maria contributed to the annual U.P. Construction Skills Challenge planning committee helping to make the first challenge a success in 2007. She was also heavily involved with the Northern Michigan Constructors, Superior Edge, and Associated Students of NMU (ASNMU). In summer 2007 she completed an internship with the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Baltimore, Md., and in summer 2008 she completed a second internship with McCarthy Building Companies in Grand Junction, Colo. She credits her success to her family, the NMU faculty, and the many mentors along the way who continually showed their love and support for her aspirations. |
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Chemistry
Tori LaFleur
Tori was also chosen as the outstanding graduate in chemistry. See her biography in that department’s section. |
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Philosophy
Derek O’Connell
Derek was also chosen as the outstanding graduate in philosophy. See his biography in that department's section. |
